Hope in a Hopeless World

Proverbs 4:23 HCSB

Dare I say it?

I am angry.

Why, you ask?

How one human can mistreat--abuse--another with little to no remorse. And the more troubling thing I hear is that behavior is reasoned away by cultural norms, rather than morality or what is good and right. When we strip society of a moral compass, saying "live your truth," we in effect dispense with the definition of right and wrong.

It's a slippery slope. 

We may not agree on which color is best for the kitchen walls, or what flower has a more soothing fragrance. Candles or diffusers? Electric cooktop or gas? Charcoal or propane grill?

We can disagree and still be friends.

However, cultural or societal norms should never be the plumb line of morality. Some cultures allow men to have multiple wives, while others don't. Some cultures teach their children it's okay to lie if it means you get what you want. Our nation is being ripped to confetti by the attempts to enforce tolerance while being intolerant of disagreement.

I see it all over social media ... and in my own backyard. And the symptoms of society tell me it's only going to get worse before we see any resolution.

So let's talk about the resolution. If we don't, I believe we could sink into the slimy pit of anxiety.

Let's begin with truth:

We ought to follow a plumb line.  But society is trying to nullify its significance in our lives.

SCRIPTURE! 

It's the one collection of books that tells us there is One who has defined right from wrong, evil from good.

So I will leave you with some text. It's a lot. But breathe in His word--digest it, trust Him and His goodness. 

Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mark 13:24-27 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

John 16:31-33 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Deuteronomy 4:29-31 But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the LORD your God and obey His voice. For the LORD your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that He swore to them.

Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and god of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Acts 14:21-22 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Matthew 24:9-14 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering--since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:36-39 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Mark 13:24-27 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Romans 12:9-21 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Until next time, cling to the Lord Jesus Christ!

💜 Karlene J 💜

Beyond the Looking Glass

The following is from a project I was involved with about 11 years ago. Time stands still for no one. 💜

Beyond the Looking Glass (Karlene Jacobsen 7/16/15)

Eloise couldn’t believe her luck. She’d chosen Paradise for the trip because it was supposed to be remote, cool, beautiful, and close to Lake Superior, the next best thing to an ocean-side resort. The risk of shark attacks was greatly reduced here. It was also far from people like her.

Apparently, not far enough. Back home, near Detroit, she’d been forced to tolerate undesirables. Because Eloise’s husband, Edward, was pastor of their prestigious church, these people invaded every space possible in Eloise’s life: church, Bible study, life group, the children’s soccer games, school functions, the soup kitchen … the list could go on forever and eternity would never dim the stench they left trailing them.

And now, this woman. Eloise could almost see the cloud of vapor that swirled about her person. Maybe that’s why her skin seemed slightly tinged with green and her smile produced yellow with black speckled teeth. It was doubtful she’d ever been shown a comb, let alone taught how to use one. It was impossible to know whether she was a dirty blond, or if her blond was just that … filthy.

Even the shores of Whitefish Bay—supposedly one of the most amazing places to visit in Northern Michigan—couldn’t insulate Eloise and her family from those less … er … fortunate, apparently. They might be ensconced in family feuding and sibling wars, but at least they were out of sight and out of danger of soiling the pristine Christian image she and her family had worked tirelessly to paint in Detroit.

McClean State Park @ Sunset 2007

Eloise chewed on her lip. She had to get the family to quit quarreling long enough to escape into their Suburban before the woman saw them and came to ask for money. The children scowled at each other after threats over who’d pay the most for taking the best seats in their SUV. Eloise’s husband, apparently oblivious to any impending doom, rocked on his heels at the shore’s edge, hands jammed in his pockets. “Edward.” Eloise finally caught his attention, and she nodded in the direction of their abhorrent invasion. “We really must go. Now.”

He looked in the direction of Eloise’s sideways glance, and grinned. His eyes sparkled with that look that always spoke of trouble for Eloise. She knew what would happen next might seal the family’s fate for the rest of eternity. “Don’t even think about it, Edward.”

“What? She must be lost.” He turned from Eloise and walked further from the safety of their vehicle. “Hello, there.”

The woman’s lips curled into what appeared to be a smile, though it was a wobbly one. If the whitening streaks forming on her face were any indication, her smile was melting into a full-on cry.

Edward cast a glance over his shoulder. “Eloise, you can go ahead and take the kids back to the hotel, if you’d like. But I think this woman needs a friend.”

Eloise knew her husband well enough to know he wasn’t releasing her to escape, but imploring her to see beyond the looking glass and catch a glimpse of the heart. She looked over to where her children waited, impatiently. There wasn’t enough room.

Was there?

“No,” The woman spoke, her voice a squeak behind her tears. “It’s okay. I just wanted to say how beautiful your family is.”

Of course their family was beautiful. Eloise had worked long and hard to keep it that way. It wouldn’t be prudent to soil that image now. She turned a stone-throwing glare at her husband. “Don’t you think we should go? The children are hungry.”

“Yes, of course.” He reached out a hand towards the woman. “I’m Edward. Do you live up here?”

Eloise should’ve known better. Even in the remotest parts of the world, Edward would find a way to extend his clean hand towards someone. Even an ugly, foul-smelling tourist.

“Naw. I don’t live nowhere.”

That was all it took. Edward had the woman sandwiched between our older two children, refusing to take no for an answer on his invitation to lunch. His piercing gaze silenced any cries of annoyance over their discomfort. He climbed into the driver’s seat and gripped Eloise’s hand, a silent challenge to check her heart’s thermostat. She would either comply or be left seething over her husband’s lack of tourism etiquette in exchange for his pastoral heart.

[original piece]

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, let them see Jesus in you. 

💜 Karlene J 💜

Defeat Distraction with Your Sword

Distraction: Courtesy Google Images 

My daughter was 4-years old, and she needed surgery. They had us admitted a day early to prep her, likely because they knew that if getting an adult to drink go-litely was difficult, this set of young parents would certainly need backup with their small child.

And they weren't wrong. No coaxing or bribery would work. We would need a nasogastric (NG) tube in order to pass that liquid past the taste buds and into her stomach. 

I laughed when the young resident told us he was going to place this device and asked if he had help on the way. He was confident he didn't need help. She was small. Right?

Within minutes, about 6 people wearing scrubs came into the room. Two at her hands, two at her feet, and the other two ready to help place the NG-tube. 

She was an impenetrable wall. Until she tried to distract them with a story. And it worked. They listened. They laughed. Then she laughed and relaxed. And they swooped down, and before she knew what was happening, they had the NG-tube in place. 

She needed a distraction in that moment, for her own good.

But how often do we seek out or embrace distractions when stressors in our lives feel too weighty, or we just want a break?

There are some instances when distractions are beneficial. 

However, as we grow in Christ, distractions take on a different form. Some would call it self-medicating, be it alcohol, drugs, or the more acceptable vices like shopping. Please don't misunderstand. There is nothing inherently wrong with shopping IF for the right reasons. Binge-watching television, sleep, books ... anything that numbs us, or distracts us from the pain or trial staring us down on the other side of the room.

According to Biblehub.com, distractions can be "the most significant threat to spiritual growth and devotion." And we can see the truth of this in these three stories:

Martha (Luke 10:38-42) 

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."

But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." (ESV)

The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-10, 18-23)

On the same day, Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

Then He spoke many things: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

Parable of the Sower: Google Images

... Therefore, hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he stumbles. Now, he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (NKJV)

Peter (Matthew 14:22-32)

Immediately, Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now, when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

Now, in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.

But immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

And immediately, Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (NKJV)

And I am certain there are others to be found. But for now, I would like to share a few thoughts. Each story has one thing in common. Distractions and their effect on the individual.

1. Martha's distraction was serving. She had welcomed Jesus to her home and likely enjoyed being a hostess. But this time, the only thing she seemed to notice was her sister's lack of concern for the business of caring for their guests. Martha was stuck doing all the work. And Martha allowed her joy of hosting guests to be robbed from her as she grumbled about her sister. I believe this is what Jesus meant when He said, "Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

Mary's decision to learn from Jesus was not to slight Him (or Martha) by neglecting her responsibilities. Instead, she'd placed Jesus' presence of greater importance. Serving is a blessing, unless it's what we believe will make us acceptable. We need to be cautious not to make our acts of service a vice that chokes us to the point of exhaustion. When this happens, resentment is soon to follow--and resentment builds walls between our Lord Jesus and us.

💜 In full bloom. 💜

2. The seed sown on different soils is a metaphor for our souls. Stony places are impenetrable to a seed developing a root system. Shallow soil will end up with scorched seed, thorny places will choke the seedling, but healthy, rich soil will foster an environment where the seedling can flourish.

This is not to say the other types are impossible. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23 NKJV). One year, for my birthday, my mother-in-law bought me a lilac bush. I knew exactly where to plant it. And it did well that year. The next year, though, this little bush struggled. The roots had hit clay and couldn't pass through it; that is, until I took my aunt's advice and spread Epsom salt on the ground at the base of the bush. The Epsom salt worked its way into the soil, eventually breaking through the clay for the roots.

💜 A closer look 💜

I had that bush for over 20 years while we lived in that home. It bloomed later than the other lilac bushes in my neighborhood, so I had the fragrance wafting through my yard all of spring and into early summer. 

This bush needed help to focus because of the distraction of the clay. 

3. Based on what I have read about Peter, he wasn't easily frightened. However, I believe he could've been guilty of a little (maybe a lot) of pride. He was a fisherman. The winds and waves were no surprise to him. In fact, when he asked Jesus to call him out of the boat, we are told: "the wind was contrary."

I have no eyewitness proof, but it wouldn't surprise me if Peter took Jesus' command to "Come," and climbed down into the water, and not with a little pride that he was going to walk on water just like Jesus. This would explain, to me, why he took his eyes off Jesus in the first place. The wind was not new. The storm was not new. But him walking on water? Oh yes! And he was the first of the disciples (the only one, actually) to have the guts to do this. I, personally, believe it was not that Peter saw the wind and waves that frightened him, but that he'd taken his focus off Jesus, and he realized that without Jesus, he would drown because of the storm.

Proverbs 16:18 tells us, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (NKJV). It wasn't until Peter did the unthinkable by denying Jesus that this pride was stripped from him.

I have learned that pride is not only being puffed up and arrogant. It's also refusing help when needed, saying things like, "Oh, I don't want to impose." It takes humility (because, quite honestly, asking for help can feel humiliating) to be honest and say, "I can't do this alone." We live in a society where we are taught to "look out for #1" and "you made the mess, you clean it up." 

Jesus Walking on Water: Courtesy Google Images

This brings me to a question: What if we were to pause for a moment and evaluate all the things we use as distractions in our lives?

What would we see?

Would these distractions be helping us rest and heal, or aiding our procrastination and avoidance of the problem?

What if the problems were allowed by our Father in heaven to draw us closer to Him?

What would happen if we allowed ourselves to feel the pain and frustration of the struggle, turned it over to the Lord, and received the rest He promises us?

I am going to leave us with a few scriptures to ponder, soak in them, and make them yours, because it is this Sword (our Bible) that will tell us the truth and help slay the enemy of our soul:

And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV)

You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. (Deuteronomy 3:22 NKJV)

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV)

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Psalm 23: 1-3 NKJV)

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19 NKJV) 

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my just claim is passed over by my God"?Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:27-31 NKJV)

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. (Jeremiah 31:25 NKJV) 

There remains, therefore, a rest for the people of God. (Hebrews 4:9 NKJV) 

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. (Psalms 46:1-3) 

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you; may He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion; may He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice.

May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purposes. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright.

Save, LORD! 

May the King answer us when we call. (Psalms 20)

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, YES, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

And he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's' ... You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you. (II Chronicles 20:15, 17)

So he answered and said to me: This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My spirit,' says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6)

Distractions don't provide rest. Jesus does.

Distractions, like any addiction, help us to defer the stress until a later time, but it doesn't eliminate the stress. Instead, it may allow the stressor to grow.  

Until next time. Keep your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And let the things of this world grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace. 

💜 Karlene J 💜

Nothing is Hidden

Grandma's House

It was 1983.

I sat in the back row, considering my options. The door was a few short feet away; no one would notice. 

I was 16. This was band class.

Home life was hard, but whose isn't, right?

The following year, I moved in with my grandmother. I changed schools my senior year of high school, tossed any hope of medical school for the peace and isolation of country life in the little-known town of Alaska, Michigan.

This town was so small that there weren't any corner stores for at least a mile. But there was a beautiful little park I loved to visit. The best part of moving to this side of the state was that my grandma didn't get out to church much anymore, and she lived too far from hers to have anyone bother me about visiting.

Alaska, MI

What I never anticipated was the day that she would feel well enough to venture out. My aunt woke me and asked whether I would go with them to church.

And of course, no one says "No" to Grandma. 😁

A second, more life-changing surprise occurred at the end of that service. The God I'd been giving the silent treatment to met me in the back seat of the sanctuary. 

He not only met me there, but he also showed me that he saw every hidden and dark wound I carried.

He saw it all.

Right or wrong. Good or bad. He knew. And yet, He still met me in that seat, calming, healing, arms open, inviting me to welcome Him into my life.

How could a perfect God love me like that?

Fast forward to now.

I have spent the past decades learning that there is only one thing I love more than my family.

The presence of God in my life.

This isn't the first time He's shown up for someone in need.

Alaska, MI

When Abraham and Sarah struggled with infertility, she told him to take her Egyptian slave, Hagar, and have a child through her. Later, when Hagar realized she was pregnant, she treated Sarah with disdain. Sarah blamed Abraham, then, with his permission, she treated Hagar harshly until she fled.

So Abram said to Sarai, "Indeed, your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please." And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence (Genesis 16:6 NKJV).

In the wilderness, Hagar was visited by an Angel of the LORD who told her she would have a son, and also showed her to a stream of water (Genesis 16: 7). 

Her response?

Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the_God-Who-Sees; for she said, "Have I also here seen Him who sees me?" Therefore, the well was called Beer Lahai Roi ... (Genesis 16:13-14a NKJV).

She realized with Whom she had communicated, and was comforted that He saw her. 

It's been 42 years since that day in the back row. I have seen trauma, loved ones have fought cancer, and ended their battle when called home to heaven. 

But it's not the big events that trip us up, is it? When my daughter was born needing major surgery at 24-hrs old, I knew I could trust the God who formed her at conception. She was (and still is) His idea. He'll take care of her. When my husband lay in the ICU near death, I could hear the Lord clearly speaking to my heart that He was with me.

But it's the little things. Those moments that seem insignificant in the beginning, I have also navigated the much smaller trials. As a teenager, I lived in a home with a leaky roof. We would place our pots on the floor around the living room to catch the raindrops. Initially, we heard the ping-ping of each drip. Eventually, though, that ping-ping sounded more like a plop. One drop didn't amount to anything, but as the drops collected in the one pot, we would soon pour enough down the drain that could've been boiled for macaroni & cheese dinner.

North Carolina Outer Banks 2025

And this is how the little things build. One drip at a time until gallons have gathered into one place. 

These events can do one of two things:

1. Slosh over and create a mess.

2. Be diverted to water the grass.

It's in how we choose to focus. It's in whether we will clean the lens of our vision and see that God is still with us even in the drizzling, annoying, life-hindering rain and that He has a clearer understanding of where we are headed than we do.

He is with us. He sees our struggles. He is there when we triumph. 

Recently, I have been reminded of this. He saw me in the back row, considering whether anyone would notice.

And He sees you too.

Nothing has escaped His notice, and He always "helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified" (Romans 8:26-29 ESV). 

North Carolina Outer Banks 2023

So take heart, my friend. The Lord has not abandoned or forgotten you. He is very much involved, weaving together the most beautiful story of our lives. Our job is to trust Him.

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:3-4 NKJV).

Until next time, lean into His strength and faithfulness. He'll never fail.

Blessings, 💜 Karlene J  💜